Management of valvulopathies with acute severe heart failure and cardiogenic shock

Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients With Valvular Cardiogenic Shock

Background

The clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients who develop cardiogenic shock (CS) secondary to primary valvular dysfunction (valvular cardiogenic shock [VCS]) remain unclear.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to describe the cohort of patients with VCS and understand their outcomes compared to other forms of CS.

Methods

All patients admitted to Cleveland Clinic cardiac intensive care unit between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2021, with a diagnosis of CS were retrospectively identified. Characteristics and outcomes for shock patients with VCS were compared to those without VCS.

Results

A total of 2,754 patients were admitted to our cardiac intensive care unit with CS, of which 442 (16%) had VCS. The median age of patients with VCS was higher than those with non-VCS (70 years vs 64 years, P < 0.001) and were more likely females (40.3% vs 32.1%, P = 0.001). VCS was predominantly due to native valve dysfunction as compared to prosthetic valve dysfunction (71% vs 29%, P < 0.001), with the aortic valve noted to be the most common valve affected. Patients with VCS had higher 1-year (44% vs 37%, P < 0.001) and 30-day all-cause mortality (28% vs 20%, P < 0.001) compared to those without VCS. When compared to percutaneous intervention and medical therapy alone, surgical intervention in VCS was associated with the best short- and long-term outcomes (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

VCS is associated with poor short and long outcomes. Native valvular dysfunction and aortic valve involvement account for the majority of patients with VCS. Definitive surgical therapy and expanding the role of percutaneous therapies may be pivotal in improving clinical outcomes in this high-risk cohort.

Outcomes of 576 patients with extracorporeal life support for the treatment of perioperative cardiogenic shock

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to analyse the short- and long-term outcomes in patients who received extracorporeal life support for the treatment of perioperative low-output syndrome and identify risk factors for mortality.

METHODS

All consecutive patients who received extracorporeal life-support system during or after cardiac surgery at a high-volume German cardiac centre between 2008 and 2017 were identified retrospectively and followed up to December 2023. This cohort was characterized, and long-term survival (>10 years) was analysed. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for mortality.

RESULTS

Five-hundred and seventy-six patients were included; 21.7% underwent isolated coronary bypass, 16.5% single valve surgery, 34.3% combined cardiac surgery and 13.2% heart transplantation. The system was implanted peripherally in 60.8% of patients. In-hospital and 1-year mortality for all patients was 66.0% and 77.7%, respectively. In the multivariable Cox adjustment, severe aortic valve stenosis, previous cardiac surgery and intra-aortic balloon pump were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality (P < 0.05). Older age, severe mitral regurgitation and patients on insulin were predictors for long-term mortality (P < 0.05). However, peripheral cannulation significantly reduced mortality. There was no time-dependent interaction of perioperative stroke with mortality. For patients who were discharged alive, the estimated 10-year survival was 32.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of perioperative low-output syndrome with extracorporeal life-support systems is associated with poor outcome and only 34% of patients could be discharged successfully. Peripheral cannulation is prognostically favourable. Special attention should be paid to these patients because age, insulin therapy and severe mitral regurgitation are strong predictors for mortality after 10 years.

The various perioperative issues of structural heart diseases and cardiogenic shock

Up to 20 % of patients presenting with acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock have a structural etiology. Despite efforts in timely management, mortality rates remain alarmingly high, ranging from 50 % to 80 %. Surgical intervention is often the definitive treatment for structural heart disease; however, many patients are considered high risk or unsuitable candidates for such procedures. Consequently, there has been a paradigm shift towards the development of novel percutaneous management strategies and temporizing interventions. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the pathophysiology of valvular and structural heart conditions presenting in cardiogenic shock, focusing on the evolving landscape of mechanical circulatory support devices and other management modalities.

Influence of tricuspid regurgitation on the prognosis of patients with cardiogenic shock

OBJECTIVE

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with adverse prognosis in various patient populations. However, data regarding the prognostic impact in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) is limited. The study investigates the prognostic impact of pre-existing TR in patients with CS.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with CS from 2019 to 2021 were included in a monocentric registry. Every patient's medical history, including echocardiographic data, was recorded. The influence of pre-existing TR on prognosis was investigated. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier analyses based on TR severity were conducted. Statistical analyses comprised univariable t-test, Spearman's correlation, Kaplan-Meier analyses, as well as multivariable Cox proportional regression models. Analyses were stratified by the underlying cause of CS such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI), or the need for mechanical ventilation.

RESULTS

105 patients with CS and pre-existing TR were included. In Kaplan Meier analyses, it could be demonstrated that patients with severe TR (TR III°) had the highest 30-day all-cause mortality compared to mild (TR I°) and moderate TR (TR II°) (44% vs. 52% vs. 77%; log rank p = .054). In the subgroup analyses of CS-patients without AMI, TR II°/TR III° showed a higher all-cause mortality after 30 days compared to TR I° (39% vs. 64%; log rank p = .027). In multivariable Cox regression TR II°/TR III° was associated with 30-day all-cause mortality in CS-patients without AMI (HR = 2.193; 95% CI 1.007-4.774; p = .048). No significant difference could be found in the AMI group. Furthermore, TR II°/III° was linked to an increased 30-day all-cause mortality in non-ventilated CS-patients (6% vs. 50%, log rank p = .015), which, however, could not be confirmed in multivariable Cox regression.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of pre-existing TR II°/III° was independently related with 30-day all-cause mortality in CS-patients without AMI. However, no prognostic influence was observed in CS-patients with AMI.

Comparison of Contemporary Treatment Strategies in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock Due to Severe Aortic Stenosis

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to understand the incidence and outcomes of patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) due to severe aortic stenosis (AS), and the impact of conventional treatment strategies in this population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

All patients admitted to the Cleveland Clinic cardiac intensive care unit between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2021 with CS were retrospectively identified and categorized into those with CS in the setting of severe AS versus CS without AS. The impact of various treatment strategies on mortality was further assessed. We identified 2754 patients with CS during the study period, of whom 216 patients (8%) had CS in the setting of severe AS. Medical management was associated with the highest 30-day mortality when compared with either balloon aortic valve replacement or aortic valve replacement (surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement) (hazard ratio, 3.69 [95% CI, 2.04-6.66]; P<0.0001). Among patients who received transcatheter therapy, 30-day mortality was significantly higher in patients who received balloon aortic valvuloplasty versus transcatheter aortic valve replacement (26% versus 4%, P=0.02). Both surgical and transcatheter aortic valve replacement had considerably lower mortality than medical management and balloon aortic valvuloplasty at 30 days and 1 year (P<0.05 for both comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS

CS due to severe AS is associated with high in-hospital and 30-day mortality, worse compared with those with CS without AS. In suitable patients, urgent surgical aortic valvuloplasty or transcatheter aortic valve replacement is associated with favorable short- and long-term outcomes. Although balloon aortic valvuloplasty may be used to temporize patients with CS in the setting of severe AS, mortality is ≈50% if not followed by definitive aortic valve replacement within 90 days.

Prognostic impact of preoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing heart surgery in cardiogenic shock

Surgical intervention in the setting of cardiogenic shock (CS) is burdened with high mortality. Due to acute condition, detailed diagnoses and risk assessment is often precluded. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a risk factor for perioperative complications and worse survival but little is known about AF patients operated in CS. Current analysis aimed to determine prognostic impact of preoperative AF in patients undergoing heart surgery in CS. We analyzed data from the Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgery (KROK) Procedures. Between 2012 and 2021, 332,109 patients underwent cardiac surgery in 37 centers; 4852 (1.5%) patients presented with CS. Of those 624 (13%) patients had AF history. Cox proportional hazards models were used for computations. Propensity score (nearest neighbor) matching for the comparison of patients with and without AF was performed. Median follow-up was 4.6 years (max.10.0), mean age was 62 (± 15) years and 68% patients were men. Thirty-day mortality was 36% (1728 patients). The origin of CS included acute myocardial infarction (1751 patients, 36%), acute aortic dissection (1075 patients, 22%) and valvular dysfunction (610 patients, 13%). In an unadjusted analysis, patients with underlying AF had almost 20% higher mortality risk (HR 1.19, 95% CIs 1.06-1.34; P = 0.004). Propensity score matching returned 597 pairs with similar baseline characteristics; AF remained a significant prognostic factor for worse survival (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.00-1.40; P = 0.045). Among patients with CS referred for cardiac surgery, history of AF was a significant risk factor for mortality. Role of concomitant AF ablation and/or left atrial appendage occlusion or more aggressive perioperative circulatory support should be addressed in the future.

Transcatheter interventions for left-sided valvular heart disease complicated by cardiogenic shock: a consensus statement from the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) in collaboration with the Association for Acute Cardiovascular Care (ACVC) and the ESC Working Group on Cardiovascular Surgery

Valvular heart disease (VHD) is one of the most frequent causes of heart failure (HF) and is associated with poor prognosis, particularly among patients with conservative management. The development and improvement of catheter-based VHD interventions have broadened the indications for transcatheter valve interventions from inoperable/high-risk patients to younger/lower-risk patients. Cardiogenic shock (CS) associated with severe VHD is a clinical condition with a very high risk of mortality for which surgical treatment is often deemed a prohibitive risk. Transcatheter valve interventions might be a promising alternative in this setting given that they are less invasive. However, supportive scientific evidence is scarce and often limited to small case series. Current guidelines on VHD do not contain specific recommendations on how to manage patients with both VHD and CS. The purpose of this clinical consensus statement, developed by a group of international experts invited by the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) Scientific Documents and Initiatives Committee, is to perform a review of the available scientific evidence on the management of CS associated with left-sided VHD and to provide a rationale and practical approach for the application of transcatheter valve interventions in this specific clinical setting.

TAVR vs balloon aortic valvotomy for severe aortic stenosis and cardiogenic shock: An insight from the National Inpatient Sample database

BACKGROUND

Severe Aortic stenosis (AS) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) represents a grave clinical condition with limited treatment options. Evidence from small observation studies favors that Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) might be a feasible option in these patients in contrast to emergent Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty (BAV) which is associated with very high short and long-term mortality.

METHODS

11,405 hospitalizations with severe AS complicated by CS between 2016 and 2020 were identified using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) Database, and patients were then stratified according to whether they received TAVR or BAV. Propensity-score matching was used to account for differences in the baseline characteristics. Primary and secondary outcomes were then compared between 3485 hospitalizations in direct TAVR group and with 3485 matched hospitalizations in the BAV group. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause in-hospital death, acute cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and myocardial infarction (MI). Secondary outcomes and safety outcomes were also compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

TAVR was associated with fewer primary outcomes events as compared to BAV {36.8 % vs 56.8 %, aOR (95%CI) = 0.38(0.30-0.47)}, due to fewer all-cause in-hospital deaths {17.8 % vs 38.9 %, aOR (95%CI) =0.34 (0.26-0.43)} and MI {12.3 % vs 32.4 %, aOR (95%CI) = 0.29 (0.22-0.39)}. TAVR was associated with higher rates of acute CVA {6.17 % vs 3.44 %, aOR (95%CI) = 1.84 (1.08-3.21)} and pacemaker implantation post procedure {11.9 % vs 6.03 %, aOR (95%CI) = 2.10 (1.41-3.18)}.

CONCLUSION

Direct TAVR in shock and severe Aortic stenosis is a better strategy than rescue Balloon aortic valvotomy.

Establishing a Novel Diagnostic Framework Using Handheld Point-of-Care Focused-Echocardiography (HoPE) for Acute Left-Sided Cardiac Valve Emergencies: A Bayesian Approach for Emergency Physicians in Resource-Limited Settings

Acute severe cardiac valve emergencies, such as acute severe mitral regurgitation (AMR) and acute severe aortic regurgitation (AAR), present significant challenges in terms of diagnosis and management. Handheld point-of-care ultrasound devices have emerged as potentially pivotal tools in ensuring the prompt and accurate diagnosis of these left-sided valve emergencies by emergency physicians, particularly in resource-limited settings. Despite the increased utilisation of point-of-care ultrasound by emergency physicians for the management of patients in states of acute cardiorespiratory failure, current diagnostic protocols cannot perform sufficient quantitative assessments of the left-sided cardiac valves. This review elucidates and evaluates the diagnostic utility of handheld point-of-care focused-echocardiography (HoPE) in native AMR and AAR by reviewing the relevant literature and the use of clinical case examples from the Emergency Department at Port Shepstone Regional Hospital (PSRH-ED)-a rural, resource-limited hospital located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Combining the findings of the review and clinical case illustrations, this review proceeds to synthesise a novel, Bayesian-inspired, iterative diagnostic framework that integrates HoPE into the evaluation of patients with acute cardiorespiratory failure and suspected severe left-sided valve lesions.

Acute heart failure and valvular heart disease: A scientific statement of the Heart Failure Association, the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care and the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions of the European Society of Cardiology

Acute heart failure (AHF) represents a broad spectrum of disease states, resulting from the interaction between an acute precipitant and a patient's underlying cardiac substrate and comorbidities. Valvular heart disease (VHD) is frequently associated with AHF. AHF may result from several precipitants that add an acute haemodynamic stress superimposed on a chronic valvular lesion or may occur as a consequence of a new significant valvular lesion. Regardless of the mechanism, clinical presentation may vary from acute decompensated heart failure to cardiogenic shock. Assessing the severity of VHD as well as the correlation between VHD severity and symptoms may be difficult in patients with AHF because of the rapid variation in loading conditions, concomitant destabilization of the associated comorbidities and the presence of combined valvular lesions. Evidence-based interventions targeting VHD in settings of AHF have yet to be identified, as patients with severe VHD are often excluded from randomized trials in AHF, so results from these trials do not generalize to those with VHD. Furthermore, there are not rigorously conducted randomized controlled trials in the setting of VHD and AHF, most of the data coming from observational studies. Thus, distinct to chronic settings, current guidelines are very elusive when patients with severe VHD present with AHF, and a clear-cut strategy could not be yet defined. Given the paucity of evidence in this subset of AHF patients, the aim of this scientific statement is to describe the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and overall treatment approach for patients with VHD who present with AHF.

Valvular Heart Disease Emergencies: A Comprehensive Review Focusing on the Initial Approach in the Emergency Department

Valvular heart disease (VHD) is an increasing health problem worldwide. Patients with VHD may experience several cardiovascular-related emergencies. The management of these patients is a challenge in the emergency department, especially when the previous heart condition is unknown. Specific recommendations for the initial management are currently poor. This integrative review proposes an evidence-based three-step approach from bedside VHD suspicion to the initial treatment of the emergencies. The first step is the suspicion of underlying valvular condition based on signs and symptoms. The second step comprises the attempt to confirm the diagnosis and assessment of VHD severity with complementary tests. Finally, the third step addresses the diagnosis and treatment options for heart failure, atrial fibrillation, valvular thrombosis, acute rheumatic fever, and infective endocarditis. In addition, several images of complementary tests and summary tables are provided for physician support.

Emergent transcatheter mitral valve implantation: Early and mid-term outcomes

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) may be attractive to treat high-risk patients with mitral bioprosthesis or annuloplasty ring failure or severe mitral annular calcification.

AIM

To report the outcomes of patients after valve-in-valve/ring/mitral annular calcification TMVI using balloon expandable transcatheter aortic valves, according to the degree of urgency of the procedure.

METHODS

All patients who underwent TMVI in our centre from 2010 to 2021 were classified into three groups: elective, urgent or emergent/salvage TMVI.

RESULTS

A total of 157 patients were included: 129 (82.2%) had elective, 21 (13.4%) urgent and 7 (4.4%) had emergent/salvage TMVI. Patients with emergent/salvage TMVI had a higher EuroSCORE II: elective, 7.3%; urgent, 9.7%; emergent/salvage, 54.5% (P<0.0001). The indication for TMVI was bioprosthesis failure in all of the emergent/salvage group, in 13 of the urgent group (61.9%) and in 62 of the elective group (48.1%). Overall, the technical success rate of TMVI was 86%, and was similar in the three groups (elective, 86.1%; urgent, 95.2%; emergent/salvage, 71.4%). The cumulative survival rate at 2-year follow-up was lower in the emergent/salvage group than in the elective or urgent group (42.9% vs 71.2% for the elective group; 76.2% for the urgent group; log-rank test, P=0.012). The excess mortality in the emergent/salvage group occurred during the first month postprocedure. Thereafter, the 30-day landmark analysis did not show any more statistical difference between the three groups (log-rank test, P=0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

Emergent/salvage TMVI was associated with high early mortality, but 1-month survivors had similar outcomes to patients with elective/urgent TMVI. The degree of urgency of the procedure should not prevent TMVI in high-risk patients.

The Oral Microbiota in Valvular Heart Disease: Current Knowledge and Future Directions

Oral microbiota formation begins from birth, and everything from genetic components to the environment, alongside the host's behavior (such as diet, smoking, oral hygiene, and even physical activity), contributes to oral microbiota structure. Even though recent studies have focused on the gut microbiota's role in systemic diseases, the oral microbiome represents the second largest community of microorganisms, making it a new promising therapeutic target. Periodontitis and dental caries are considered the two main consequences of oral bacterial imbalance. Studies have shown that oral dysbiosis effects are not limited locally. Due to technological advancement, research identified oral bacterial species in heart valves. This evidence links oral dysbiosis with the development of valvular heart disease (VHD). This review focuses on describing the mechanism behind prolonged local inflammation and dysbiosis, that can induce bacteriemia by direct or immune-mediated mechanisms and finally VHD. Additionally, we highlight emerging therapies based on controlling oral dysbiosis, periodontal disease, and inflammation with immunological and systemic effects, that exert beneficial effects in VHD management.

MitraClip to the Rescue in Cardiogenic Shock: Case Series from a Single Center

Cardiogenic shock (CS) in the setting of acute coronary syndrome carries detrimental consequences and high levels of mortality and morbidity if not managed promptly. Acute mitral regurgitation (MR) as a complication of the myocardial infarction might superimpose refractory CS that warrants mitral valve repair. There has been growing use of Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER) as a therapy for CS secondary to acute MR. In this cohort, we describe two cases of CS secondary to acute ischemic MR managed with a Mitraclip.

Transcatheter mitral valve repair for inotrope dependent cardiogenic shock - Design and rationale of the CAPITAL MINOS trial

BACKGROUND

Functional mitral regurgitation (MR) is an important clinical consideration in patients with heart failure. Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) has emerged as a useful therapeutic tool for patients with chronic heart failure, however the role of TEER in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) and MR has not yet been studied in a randomized trial. The Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair for Inotrope Dependent Cardiogenic Shock (CAPITAL MINOS) trial was therefore designed to determine if TEER improves clinical outcomes in the CS population.

METHODS AND DESIGN

The CAPITAL MINOS trial is an open-label, multi-center randomized clinical trial comparing TEER to medical therapy in patients with CS and MR. A total of 144 patients with Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) class C or D CS and at least 3+ MR will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to TEER or medical therapy alone. The primary outcome will be a composite of in-hospital all-cause mortality, cardiac transplantation, implantation of durable left ventricular assist device, or discharge on palliative inotropic therapy. Patients will be followed for the duration of their index hospitalization for the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include 6 month mortality.

IMPLICATIONS

The CAPITAL MINOS trial will determine whether TEER improves outcomes in patients with CS and MR and will be an important step in optimizing treatment for this high-risk patient population.

A giant and double-walled left atrial ball thrombus complicating a mitral stenosis: case report-a truck tire into the heart

BACKGROUND

High thromboembolic risk associated with rheumatic mitral stenosis has been well established, especially in concomitant atrial fibrillation; however, the presence of left atrium ball thrombus is an uncommon finding.

CASE SUMMARY

A 75-year-old woman with a history of mild rheumatic mitral stenosis was admitted to Emergency Department with cardiogenic shock and high ventricular rate atrial fibrillation. Emergency electrical cardioversion was performed-before trans-oesophageal echocardiography (TOE)-due to haemodynamic deterioration which restored sinus rhythm.Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed severe reduction of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF: 15%), severe rheumatic mitral stenosis and a large, perfectly rounded mass, situated at the ostium of left upper pulmonary vein. Due to the persistence of haemodynamic instability and acute pulmonary oedema the patient was intubated and mechanically ventilated and treated with intravenous administration of inotropes and high doses of diuretics. During the stay in Intensive Care Unit, a TOE confirmed a spherical and double-walled mass suggesting a working diagnosis of left atrial ball thrombus (LABT). The case was discussed in Heart Team and considering the poor haemodynamic status in the contest of refractory cardiogenic shock with evidence of multi-organ failure, emergency surgical thrombectomy and mitral valve replacement was deemed prohibitive. Patient developed cardiac arrest and emergency TTE showed left atrial mass engaged into the mitral valve totally obstructing the left ventricle inflow tract. The autopsy and histologic examination confirmed the thrombotic nature of the mass.

DISCUSSION

A free-floating ball thrombus in the left atrium is an unusual occurrence in rheumatic mitral stenosis and it may cause fatal systemic embolization or acute left ventricular inflow obstruction, resulting in syncope, pulmonary congestion, and sudden cardiac death. When possible, emergency surgical thrombectomy and mitral valve replacement can be life-saving.

The Surgeon's Role in Cardiogenic Shock

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cardiogenic shock represents a very challenging patient population due to the undifferentiated pathologies presenting as cardiogenic shock, difficult decision-making, prognostication, and ever-expanding support options. The role of cardiac surgeons on this team is evolving.

RECENT FINDINGS

The implementation of a shock team is associated with improved outcomes in patients with cardiogenic shock. Early deployment of mechanical circulatory support devices may allow an opportunity to rescue these patients. Cardiothoracic surgeons are a critical component of the shock team who can deploy timely mechanical support and surgical intervention in selected patients for optimal outcomes.

Survival Following Edge-to-Edge Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock: A Nationwide Analysis

Background

Edge‐to‐edge transcatheter mitral valve repair as salvage therapy in high surgical risk patients with severe mitral regurgitation presenting with cardiogenic shock (CS) has been described in small case series, but large clinical results have not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate outcomes of transcatheter mitral valve repair with MitraClip in patients with mitral regurgitation and CS using a large national database.

Methods and Results

From January 2014 to March 2019, we identified hospitalizations for CS in patients with mitral valve disease using data from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Those with a prior surgical or percutaneous mitral valve intervention were excluded. We compared survival between patients who underwent MitraClip during the index hospitalization and those who did not using propensity‐matched analysis. The analysis included 38 166 patients (mean age, 71±11 years, 41.6% women) of whom 622 (1.6%) underwent MitraClip. MitraClip was increasingly used during CS hospitalizations over the study period (P<0.001). After matching, patients receiving MitraClip had significantly lower in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.47–0.77; P<0.001) and 1‐year mortality (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.65–0.88; P<0.001) compared with those without MitraClip. The survival benefit associated with MitraClip was consistent across subgroups of interest, with the exception of patients requiring acute mechanical circulatory support or hemodialysis at index.

Conclusions

In patients with mitral regurgitation presenting with CS, use of MitraClip is increasing and associated with greater in‐hospital and 1‐year survival. Further studies are warranted to optimize patient selection and procedure timing for those receiving MitraClip as a treatment option in CS.

Impella Support as a Bridge to Surgery for Severe Mitral Regurgitation With Cardiogenic Shock

Background: Cardiogenic shock due to acute severe mitral regurgitation is characterized by multiple organ failure and acute pulmonary edema, leading to a high risk of mortality.

Methods and Results: We report on a patient with acute, severe mitral regurgitation complicated by cardiogenic shock, refractory to both inotrope treatment and intra-aortic balloon pump support. The patient was successfully bridged to surgery with an Impella CP, a percutaneous left ventricular assist device.

Conclusions: Mechanical support using an Impella CP can stabilize hemodynamics and may be used as a bridge to elective surgery for patients with mitral regurgitation with cardiogenic shock.

Outcomes of urgent/emergent transcatheter mitral valve repair (MitraClip): A single center experience

OBJECTIVES

To describe the outcomes of urgent/emergent transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TMVr) and compare the clinical, echocardiographic, and procedural characteristics of survivors and nonsurvivors.

BACKGROUND

TMVr is a treatment strategy for select patients with severe primary or secondary mitral regurgitation. However, knowledge regarding outcomes for urgent/emergent TMVr is limited.

METHODS

All urgent or emergent TMVr procedures using MitraClip performed at the University of Washington Medical Center between January 2018 and March 2019 were identified and clinical, echocardiographic, hemodynamic, procedural, and outcomes data were obtained by chart review. Outcomes included all-cause mortality, hospital mortality, procedural success, periprocedural complications, and hospital readmission.

RESULTS

Of the 20 patients who underwent urgent/emergent TMVr, eight were treated for cardiogenic shock (CS), four for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) with hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, and eight for ADHF with failure of inpatient medical therapy. Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) was used in six patients; preceding TMVr in three patients and immediately post-TMVr in three patients. Overall, 30-day mortality and hospital readmission rates were 21 and 13%, respectively. Over a median 153 days (IQR 20-491) of follow-up, 10 patients (50%) died. Preprocedure CS, new or ongoing MCS post-TMVr, refractory respiratory failure post-TMVr, and acute kidney injury post-TMVr were associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In a single-center retrospective analysis, urgent/emergent TMVr in high-risk patients with ADHF or CS was associated with high short-term mortality and periprocedural complications. Prospective studies are warranted to inform patient selection and periprocedural management for urgent/emergent TMVr.

Structural Heart Disease Emergencies

Structural heart disease (SHD) emergencies include acute deterioration of a stable lesion or development of a new critical lesion. Structural heart disease emergencies can produce heart failure and cardiogenic shock despite preserved systolic function that may not respond to standard medical therapy and typically necessitate surgical or percutaneous intervention. Comprehensive Doppler echocardiography is the initial diagnostic modality of choice to determine the cause and severity of the underlying SHD lesion. Patients with chronic SHD lesions which deteriorate due to intercurrent illness (eg, infection or arrhythmia) may not require urgent intervention, whereas patients with an acute SHD lesion often require definitive therapy. Medical stabilization prior to definitive intervention differs substantially between stenotic lesions (aortic stenosis, mitral stenosis, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction) and regurgitant lesions (aortic regurgitation, mitral regurgitation, ventricular septal defect). Patients with regurgitant lesions typically require aggressive afterload reduction and inotropic support, whereas patients with stenotic lesions may paradoxically require β-blockade and vasoconstrictors. Emergent cardiac surgery for patients with decompensated heart failure or cardiogenic shock carries a substantial mortality risk but may be necessary for patients who are not eligible for catheter-based percutaneous SHD intervention. This review explores initial medical stabilization and subsequent definitive therapy for patients with SHD emergencies.